Filmmaker John Shepherd on the Incredible True, Faith-Filled Story Behind Sarah’s Oil

She struck oil at 11—but the real fight was just beginning. The powerful true story behind Sarah’s Oil shows how faith can hold firm against a world driven by greed.

from GodTube.com

Updated Oct 30, 2025

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Producer John Shepherd sits down with Michael Foust to share the remarkable true story behind Sarah’s Oil, the upcoming film about 11-year-old Sarah Rector, whose shocking discovery of oil in early-1900s Oklahoma propelled her into wealth and placed her faith at the center of a battle against greed and prejudice. Shepherd explains why this under-told chapter of American history captivated him, how the Rector family helped guide the project, and what themes of perseverance, community, and God-given purpose he hopes audiences will take away. He also reflects on his filmmaking journey and why true stories of faith continue to resonate so deeply today. He has worked on numerous projects, including The Ultimate Gift, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, Bella, Emmanuel, and the documentary The Dropbox.

Originally published October 30, 2025.